The best cycling routes around Mead
4.5
(47)
257
riders
35
rides
If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling around Mead, you know how quickly the options can become overwhelming. Sifting through countless routes to find the ones genuinely worth your time and effort can feel like a full-time job. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has ridden, mapped, and reviewed these routes, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the best touring cycling Mead has to offer, saving you the guesswork.
Touring cycling around Mead, Colorado, is all about accessible paths through a rural landscape. Expect mostly flat to gently rolling terrain, with plenty of paved surfaces along the St. Vrain River Greenway. It's a region that feels open and serene, perfect for a relaxed pace, but also connects to broader trail networks if you're looking to extend your ride. While the area is generally low-lying, you'll find routes ranging from easy cruises to a few more moderate challenges.
If you only do one route, we'd start with the Longmont Loop - South. At 19.2 miles (31.0 km), it’s an easy, mostly paved ride that gives you a real feel for the area's charm without much elevation. For something a bit longer with more natural areas, the Izaak Walton Park – Golden Ponds loop from Calkins Reservoir is a moderate 27.1 miles (43.6 km) that’s well worth your legs. With more than 300 touring cyclists having explored Mead using komoot, you’re in good company.
Last updated: May 31, 2026
4.0
(2)
3
riders
31.0km
01:48
100m
100m
The Longmont Loop - South offers a delightful touring cycling experience, guiding you along the Saint Vrain Greenway through green meadows and past the meandering Saint Vrain River. You'll enjoy smooth, paved surfaces and distant views of the Rocky Mountains, making this an easy 19.2-mile (31.0 km) ride with only 333 feet (101 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hour and 47 minutes. It's a perfect choice for a relaxed outing, suitable for all skill levels.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as there are no permits or fees required to access this popular route. The trail features convenient underpasses at major intersections like Hover Street and SH 119 for continuous riding, and you'll find amenities such as restrooms and water fountains in connected parks like Izaak Walton Park. Spring and fall are ideal for experiencing the most vibrant scenery, and leashed dogs are welcome to join you.
This route is a key part of Longmont's extensive multi-use pathway system, connecting seamlessly to other local trails and offering a great way to explore the area. Its gentle terrain and accessibility make it an excellent option for beginners or families looking for a pleasant day out on two wheels, providing a taste of the region's natural beauty without demanding significant effort.
1
riders
23.7km
01:24
90m
90m
The Longmont Loop - South offers a delightful touring cycling experience, guiding you through a varied landscape of green meadows, wetlands, and cottonwood forests, especially along the Saint Vrain Greenway. The path is mostly paved, providing a smooth ride, though you might encounter some hard-packed gravel sections. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like herons, falcons, and even deer as you enjoy the peaceful riverside scenery and occasional glimpses of the Front Range mountains.
This easy 14.7-mile (23.7 km) route, with only 286 feet (87 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a relaxed ride that takes about 1 hour and 23 minutes. The trail is well-integrated into Longmont's pathway system, featuring underpasses at key intersections for safety and continuity. You'll find amenities like restrooms and water fountains in the parks along the way, making it a convenient option for all skill levels, including families.
What makes this route stand out is its role as an integral part of Longmont's extensive multi-use pathway network, connecting to other local trails. The natural areas along the St. Vrain River are excellent for birdwatching, offering chances to spot various species. The city provides resources like a bike map, highlighting rental and repair spots, further enhancing the cycling experience in the area.
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5.0
(2)
2
riders
27.0km
01:40
80m
80m
The St. Vrain Greenway and Lagerman Preserve Loop offers a delightful blend of paved and gravel cycling, taking you from the urban edge of Longmont into serene natural preserves. You'll pedal alongside the St. Vrain River, passing Golden Ponds where local wildlife thrives, before transitioning to the gravel paths of Lagerman Agricultural Preserve, which provides stunning views of Longs Peak and active farmland. This easy 16.8-mile (27.0 km) route, with a minimal 275 feet (84 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a leisurely ride, taking approximately 1 hour and 39 minutes.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as public restrooms and parking are readily available at various trailheads along the route. While the St. Vrain Greenway is smooth and accessible for most touring bikes, consider a gravel bike or wider tires for the Lagerman Preserve sections to ensure a more comfortable ride. The route is generally well-signed, even during occasional construction detours, making navigation simple.
This loop is a highlight of Longmont's trail system, connecting several parks and offering a diverse cycling experience that showcases both the town's green infrastructure and the surrounding agricultural and natural beauty. It's an excellent option for those looking for family-friendly bike rides or an easy touring cycling experience that combines river views, lake vistas, and mountain backdrops, all within a short distance of Boulder County.
1
riders
28.3km
01:37
90m
90m
The Saint Vrain State Park and Firestone Trail Loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, blending natural beauty with easy pedaling. Within Saint Vrain State Park, you'll find tranquil views of Longs Peak and a network of family-friendly gravel paths winding past 11 distinct ponds, marshes, and cottonwood stands, perfect for spotting waterfowl and deer. The Firestone Trail segment, while mostly paved, runs alongside Colorado Boulevard, so expect some traffic noise, though an unpaved section north of Firestone Road provides a change of scenery.
This easy 17.6-mile (28.3 km) route, with a gentle 288 feet (88 metres) of elevation gain, is suitable for all skill levels and can be completed in about 1 hour and 37 minutes. Parking is readily available at Saint Vrain State Park, which serves as a great starting point. It's a good idea to check for any park fees or specific operating hours before you head out.
Beyond cycling, Saint Vrain State Park is a haven for wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for birding, especially in winter when bald eagles are often seen. The loop connects you to a broader trail system, and the diverse habitats within the park, combined with views of the Rocky Mountains, make it a pleasant and engaging option for a leisurely ride near Firestone, Colorado.
4.5
(4)
32
riders
43.7km
02:32
130m
130m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This is the intersection of the Saint Vrain Greenway and Left Hand Creek Trail Trailhead. The Left Hand Creek Trail will take you all the way into Boulder, so it is a great way to go from Union Reservoir into the city.
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Golden Ponds are three beautiful ponds along the Lykins Gulch Greenway. There is a boardwalk that takes you out towards the center of the main pond, so that you can take in the surrounding scenery.
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The trail around the ponds is a paved bike path with a flat packed gravel side. The ponds are beautiful, especially at dawn and sunset, and there is a parking lot with restrooms on the northeast side.
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This smooth, relatively flat trail cuts diagonally across the city as is follows its namesake creek. You'll pass through a number of neighborhoods and parks before the trail connects with the LoBo Trail (Longmont to Boulder), where you can continue on to Boulder if you like.
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Saint Vrain State Park offers 232 acres of water and 87 campsites on 604 acres of recreational land, making it a great spot for anglers, campers, and birders.
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The park has ample parking, nice green space, and restrooms. The bike path follows the creek here for a ways and is a great scenic path that connects to a number of other routes around Longmount.
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The park has picnic tables, water access, and open grassy areas. There is a clubhouse you can reserve for events. The restrooms are closed in the winter.
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Here at the bridge you can admire the small falls. There is a path to go down to the water and some reservable pavilions nearby.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Mead?
Mead offers a good selection of touring cycling routes, with over 35 routes available. These include 23 easy routes, 11 moderate routes, and a few more challenging options, ensuring there's something for every skill level.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes near Mead?
The touring cycling routes around Mead are primarily characterized by flat terrain and mostly paved paths. Many routes follow the scenic St. Vrain River Greenway, offering smooth surfaces and minimal elevation gain, ideal for relaxed touring.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or casual riders?
Yes, Mead is excellent for easy rides. A popular choice is the Longmont Loop - South, an easy 19.2-mile route with mostly paved surfaces. Another great option is the Saint Vrain Greenway – Sandstone Ranch Community Park loop from Skyline High School, which is 16.5 miles and follows the well-maintained St. Vrain River Greenway.
What are some scenic viewpoints or natural features I can enjoy while cycling?
Many routes incorporate beautiful natural features. You can cycle past Golden Ponds, known for its picturesque views, especially at dawn and sunset. The St. Vrain Greenway itself offers continuous scenic views along the river. Additionally, Saint Vrain State Park, just south of Mead, provides a natural setting that complements many cycling tours.
Are there any longer or more challenging touring cycling routes in the Mead area?
For those seeking a longer ride, the Left Hand Creek Trail – Sandstone Ranch Community Park loop from Main St & 17th Ave covers over 31 miles and offers a moderate challenge. Another moderate option is the Izaak Walton Park – Golden Ponds loop from Calkins Reservoir, a 27.1-mile route that takes you through natural areas.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy the most about cycling in Mead?
The touring cycling routes around Mead are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful rural setting, the well-maintained paved paths along the St. Vrain River Greenway, and the accessibility of routes for various fitness levels.
Are there any loop cycling routes around Mead?
Yes, several popular routes are loops, making for convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the Saint Vrain Greenway – Sandstone Ranch Community Park loop from Skyline High School, the Izaak Walton Park – Golden Ponds loop from Calkins Reservoir, and the Saint Vrain River Trail – Sandstone Ranch Community Park loop from Rough and Ready Ditch.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Mead?
Mead's relatively flat terrain and paved paths make it enjoyable for touring cycling across multiple seasons. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer is also popular, though it's advisable to ride earlier in the day to avoid the midday heat. Winter cycling is possible, but be mindful of colder temperatures and potential icy patches.
Are there any family-friendly cycling options in Mead?
Absolutely. The numerous easy, paved routes along the St. Vrain River Greenway are ideal for families. These paths offer a safe and enjoyable environment away from vehicle traffic, allowing everyone to experience the scenic beauty of the area. The minimal elevation gain makes them suitable for younger riders or those with less cycling experience.
Where can I find parking for touring cycling routes near Mead?
Many of the popular cycling routes, especially those connected to the St. Vrain Greenway or parks like Sandstone Ranch Community Park, offer designated parking areas. It's always a good idea to check the specific route details on komoot for recommended starting points and parking information.
Can I connect to other regional trails from Mead?
Yes, Mead's location allows for excellent connectivity to a broader network of trails. For instance, the Left Hand Creek Trail, accessible from the area, can lead riders towards Boulder, connecting with the LoBo Trail (Longmont to Boulder), opening up possibilities for longer touring adventures into the Colorado Front Range.
Are there any places to explore or attractions near the cycling routes?
Beyond the natural beauty, you can explore areas like Sandstone Ranch Community Park, which features extensive trails and historical sites. The St. Vrain Greenway itself, including sections like St. Vrain Greenway (Pierce Road to Sandstone Ranch), offers a pleasant journey through the local landscape.
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